I have the opportunity to purchase 2 Tamiya tanks. One is a leopard 1A4 and the other is a Flakpanzer Gepard both are in good condition but are non full option. The electronics are airtronics which I don't know much about. They also come with one transmitter. My question is how much are these tank worth so I can make a reasonable offer for them? Thanks John

Wow, that's a question, there. What do you mean by non full option? Did they start out as static display kits and someone RCed them? Did the seller give you any photos? Especially of the inside? What kind of TX do they come with? Those can be a huge range of prices, from $25 to several hundred. I think if you give more info the guys here will be able to help, and photos say volumes. I think this will be interesting.

Non full option means no turret functions and no sound. These are older kits with the single motor gearbox. The transmitter looks like an older futaba but I'm not sure. Sorry I only have one grainy picture of them. The seller claims they are in good to very good running condition. I'm just looking to get an approximate idea of what they are worth.

I wish i could be more helpful, but I'll be watching to get the education. Bret (thebennyB) knows a lot about Tamiya tanks. So does Jeff (Ausf). Where are you guys?!?

The original Leopard I and Gepard had turret rotation and gun elevation... plus the radar rotated on the flakpanzer, but had no sound and the single motor gearbox operation.

I would get some good, detailed pictures because with these vintage tanks some parts could be missing and most are OOP, so some work may be needed.


They are kinda like the holy grail of RC tanks but as far as performance against the newer FO kits are not really on the same page so keep that in mind.




Jeff

A nice addition to any collection, and the 1a4 was my first tank. I've got both, and they are fully operational after considerable reconditioning.

A fully assembled and painted Tamiya Gepard and Leopard 1 a4 should be worth about 300-400 dollars each (that's full retail)...and that's if they are in running condition (look good, run good and no missing pieces or manuals). I assume they are the double clutch versions (original issued) and not a static version hack. It sounds like they've been modified with modern electronics, so they wouldn't be collector's items. Collectors want them unassembled, or absolutely stock. In a modified state with modern electronics...they have value as a runner only. Still, they are both very unique tanks that are a nice addition to anyone's collection.

Check the Gepard to make sure the cannons aren't broken (especially look at the bird cage at the tip of each cannon) and that the radar dish motor works. On the Leopard, check the barrel. The original Leos had an aluminum barrel unlike the recent static kit's plastic split barrel halves. Make sure it's got metal there. Check the commander and loader hatches on the Leo. The cupola rings (the rail around the hatches) tend to fall apart and get lost. On both tanks check the road wheel tires, as they need replaced every 20 years or so...and if original, they'll be hard and cracked. Parts are notoriously difficult to get for them, so find the replacement value of the missing and damaged parts, and discount the sale price accordingly.

If you want full option versions, I'd recommend starting with the static kits and modding them up to full option. It would be cheaper.

Thanks Jeff, but I don't know if that is possible. If you could pick both them up for about $400 shipped would you take that risk?

IMHO If you are willing and able to repair them, they would be nice projects in that price range.

Yea, $200 each shipped isn't bad, though sounds like they may be missing some units if they don't have rotation or elevation. Wouldn't go over $400.

Good luck, TR, hope ya get them and hope you'll show lots of pics.

I would if I at least had an idea of the overall condition (no glue bomb or major parts missing) and I really was dead set on vintage RC tanks. Then it's a deal! Plus, PAY WITH PAYPAL!!!





Jeff

Are these the ones on the Facebook group?

Thank you everyone for the informative replies. I think I've made my decision, I will keep you guys posted.

Yes sky hawk, those are the ones.

I would say $400 to $500 for both shipped would be fair. Be prepared for a major investment if you plan on FO'd these units to modern status. If you do, give DT a shout, he does wonders with these kits.